TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[spamelinazoid]

anyone else working a 9-5 whilst doing applications? It’s actually the trenches

8-6, have been for the past 2 cycles. Applying* for a chance* at being a trainee* lawyer is a part- time job atp.

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

anyone else working a 9-5 whilst doing applications? It’s actually the trenches

And checking tcla every 10 minutes for a potential heartbreak 😂

 

[nbjani]

anyone else working a 9-5 whilst doing applications? It’s actually the trenches

Yepp plus SQE1 this month. I hate that I did this to myself.

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

8-6, have been for the past 2 cycles. Applying* for a chance* at being a trainee* lawyer is a part- time job atp.

You’re a real trooper, genuinely props to you. Sometimes when law firms ask what is your greatest achievement, I actually want to say working full time and answering 4, 500 word questions for 20 law firms😭

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

And checking tcla every 10 minutes for a potential heartbreak 😂

Im supposed to be working right now but I cant focus as Im just refreshing the forum and my emails😭😭

 

[radssss]

anyone else working a 9-5 whilst doing applications? It’s actually the trenches

i salute you guys for managing this!
I graduated in July 2025 and have come home, taken time off from work till Feb 2026 so most app deadlines have passed by then!

 

[Donuttime]

It's strengths based (eg How would you hand X situation/ what would you do if you find yourself in X crisis). I think there is also on motivational question (did my VI in Nov so I don't remember many details)

Thank you star ⭐️

 

[spamelinazoid]

You’re a real trooper, genuinely props to you. Sometimes when law firms ask what is your greatest achievement, I actually want to say working full time and answering 4, 500 word questions for 20 law firms😭

Unironically this is such a valid answer. Sacrificing your limited free time after work for years at a chance to break into this career is not nothing.

 

[Novaa]

anyone else working a 9-5 whilst doing applications? It’s actually the trenches

Oh don’t get me started on this!!

I really took doing more applications while at uni for granted because OMG…. THE TRENCHES

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

Oh don’t get me started on this!!

I really took doing more applications while at uni for granted because OMG…. THE TRENCHES

No me too, I actually regret not locking in on applications during university because this is not for the weak

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

Yepp plus SQE1 this month. I hate that I did this to myself.

Wow, if that doesn’t show workflow management, I don’t know what does.

 

[Novaa]

No me too, I actually regret not locking in on applications during university because this is not for the weak

Especially when I think about how we went from three 500-word questions and a WGT… to four 300-word questions, a SJT with a WGT at the end, followed by your application now being read, then sprinkled with a VI which has 2 curveballs and a repeat of one of your four 300-word questions. 😍😍

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

Especially when I think about how we went from three 500-word questions and a WGT… to four 300-word questions, a SJT with a WGT at the end, followed by your application now being read, then sprinkled with a VI which has 2 curveballs and a repeat of one of your four 300-word questions. 😍😍

I took for granted how much easier the applications were a few years back…

 

[Suii]

Anyone heard from DLA Manchester post app or post test?

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

I've got my first written exercise tmrw and I acc have no clue what to expect. They have been so vague and just said I don't need any prior knowledge but like idek what it is I'll be writing all I know is it's 40 mins (this is w extra time). Any advice pls I'm getting desparate!!😫

@meredithgrey congratulations on making it this far! The WE is definitely a stressful element, and one that is heavily linked to time preparation. So, set yourself a strict amount of time to go through the reading, whichever way works for you. I tend to first look at the question I am being asked, and to then go through the wider materials (just so, I can leverage some of the reading time to build out a skeleton of what I am going to say).

Upon learning what the question is, think about your audience, if it is for a client (summary, straight to the point, not heavily legal) or if it is for an internal staff member (more detail, possibly less formal). The audience will shape your tone so take a second to think about this before you begin writing.

Good luck!

 

[alphabravocharlie]

The main con of getting an AC is having to read back ur application.....legit cringing so hard

 

[yasmars]

The main con of getting an AC is having to read back ur application.....legit cringing so hard

So true!!

 

[helenaskelton]

Has anyone heard from the following (spring, summer)

Clyde & Co
Cooley
Penningtons
Katten
Akin
Osborne Clarke
Squire Patton Boggs
Shoosmiths

 

[Madison Pinewall]

Icl when i'm actually at university my degree takes up more than 9-5 most days 😭The thought of doing this after graduating whilst balancing a job is not fun (

 

[elle woods]

Icl when i'm actually at university my degree takes up more than 9-5 most days 😭The thought of doing this after graduating whilst balancing a job is not fun (

... idk how ppl do it haha I'm still reading at like 2am most days

my friend keeps telling me i should transfer unis 😂